https://round-zero.pages.dev/news/ Australian startup and tech headlines collected by Round Zero. Full stories live with the publisher. en-AU Mon, 14 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/manosphere-algorithm-opt-out-social-media-misogyny/xtuz3i62s https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/manosphere-algorithm-opt-out-social-media-misogyny/xtuz3i62s Sun, 13 Sep 2026 21:03:20 GMT SBS Technology Discussion on the potential effects of social media algorithm opt-out plans aimed at reducing exposure to toxic content, including misogyny, online in Australia. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/podcast-episode/australia-is-riding-an-ai-wave-but-how-is-it-impacting-student-learning/pkgtidjs3 https://www.sbs.com.au/news/podcast-episode/australia-is-riding-an-ai-wave-but-how-is-it-impacting-student-learning/pkgtidjs3 Sun, 13 Sep 2026 21:03:20 GMT SBS Technology An exploration on how the rise of AI technologies is impacting student learning within Australia, assessing educational and technological implications. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/labor-urges-greens-coalition-to-pass-social-media-reforms-after-dawdling-and-delay/llqq490az https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/labor-urges-greens-coalition-to-pass-social-media-reforms-after-dawdling-and-delay/llqq490az Sun, 13 Sep 2026 21:03:20 GMT SBS Technology Labor urges cross-party support for social media reforms to address delays in implementing digital safety and algorithm regulation measures. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/now-measured-in-the-millions-a-scam-on-the-rise/t3i95sirw https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/now-measured-in-the-millions-a-scam-on-the-rise/t3i95sirw Sun, 13 Sep 2026 21:03:19 GMT SBS Technology A rising scam exploiting common processes in Australia is detailed, highlighting the scale and technical methods of fraudulent activities impacting users. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/video/global-reckoning-labor-proposes-new-opt-out-algorithm-laws/ca5liwdqt https://www.sbs.com.au/news/video/global-reckoning-labor-proposes-new-opt-out-algorithm-laws/ca5liwdqt Sun, 13 Sep 2026 21:03:19 GMT SBS Technology Australian Labor proposes new social media algorithm opt-out laws aimed at increasing user control and addressing digital harms related to content algorithms. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/anthropic-dario-amodei-ai-slowdown-sam-altman-elon-musk/7mrwx5ql4 https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/anthropic-dario-amodei-ai-slowdown-sam-altman-elon-musk/7mrwx5ql4 Sun, 13 Sep 2026 21:03:17 GMT SBS Technology Anthropic's co-founder Dario Amodei warns of potential AI threats that could take over the internet within a year, highlighting concerns discussed among leading tech figures including Sam Altman and Elon Musk. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-11/why-is-south-australia-holding-royal-commission-into-ai/107018396 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-11/why-is-south-australia-holding-royal-commission-into-ai/107018396 Sun, 13 Sep 2026 21:03:05 GMT ABC Computer Science South Australia is conducting a royal commission into artificial intelligence to investigate and regulate AI impacts, reflecting growing governmental scrutiny of AI technologies and their societal implications. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-02/telstra-outage-review-findings-known-network-issues-not-priority/107106588 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-02/telstra-outage-review-findings-known-network-issues-not-priority/107106588 Sun, 13 Sep 2026 21:03:05 GMT ABC Computer Science Telstra outage was caused by the company failing to prioritize and address previously known network issues, raising questions about infrastructure management and reliability in Australia's largest telecom provider. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-09/anthropic-researcher-coxon-quits-over-human-threat/107134164 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-09/anthropic-researcher-coxon-quits-over-human-threat/107134164 Sun, 13 Sep 2026 21:03:04 GMT ABC Computer Science Anthropic researcher Coxon resigns over concerns that AI development poses existential threats to humanity, highlighting increasing fears within the AI research community about safety and control. https://australianfintech.com.au/australian-fintech-company-profile-193-africhange/ https://australianfintech.com.au/australian-fintech-company-profile-193-africhange/ Sun, 13 Sep 2026 16:32:01 GMT Australian FinTech Africhange is an Australian fintech company providing seamless, low-cost cross-border payments to connect Africa and empower its global diaspora. https://www.businessnewsaustralia.com/articles/flexsysai-launches-australia-first-pilot-to-shift-data-centre-power-loads-as-transgrid-warns-of-demand-surge.html https://www.businessnewsaustralia.com/articles/flexsysai-launches-australia-first-pilot-to-shift-data-centre-power-loads-as-transgrid-warns-of-demand-surge.html Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:37:00 GMT Business News Australia Sydney-based energy technology startup FlexSysAI has launched an Australia-first pilot program to test dynamic shifting of AI workloads inside data centres across locations and time. The program aims to ease pressure on electricity grids… https://www.businessnewsaustralia.com/articles/droneshield-hires-former-myob-finance-chief-as-full-year-committed-revenue-tops-250m.html https://www.businessnewsaustralia.com/articles/droneshield-hires-former-myob-finance-chief-as-full-year-committed-revenue-tops-250m.html Thu, 10 Sep 2026 01:59:00 GMT Business News Australia Australian counter-drone tech company DroneShield has appointed former MYOB finance chief Rebecca Lowde as CFO. This change coincides with DroneShield reaching its full-year committed revenue outlook. https://startupscaleup.com.au/banjo-loans-lifts-sme-lending-limit-to-750000-amid-funding-surge/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=banjo-loans-lifts-sme-lending-limit-to-750000-amid-funding-surge https://startupscaleup.com.au/banjo-loans-lifts-sme-lending-limit-to-750000-amid-funding-surge/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=banjo-loans-lifts-sme-lending-limit-to-750000-amid-funding-surge Thu, 10 Sep 2026 01:15:04 GMT Startup Scaleup Banjo Loans, an Australian non-bank lender, has increased the lending limit of its Business Loan Express product from $500,000 to $750,000 to support growing SME funding needs. https://www.smartcompany.com.au/technology/apple-pitches-new-foldable-iphone-duo-business-productivity-tool/ https://www.smartcompany.com.au/technology/apple-pitches-new-foldable-iphone-duo-business-productivity-tool/ Wed, 09 Sep 2026 23:20:40 GMT SmartCompany Apple has introduced a new foldable iPhone Duo designed to enhance business productivity by enabling users to work with multiple app windows simultaneously on a compact, passport-sized device. https://www.smartcompany.com.au/technology/cyber-wardens-ending-friday-small-business-resilience/ https://www.smartcompany.com.au/technology/cyber-wardens-ending-friday-small-business-resilience/ Wed, 09 Sep 2026 05:30:04 GMT SmartCompany The Cyber Wardens program, supporting small business cyber security, will cease operations this week after the federal government decided not to renew its funding, with COSBOA ending the initiative on Friday. https://www.smartcompany.com.au/technology/new-businesses-hardest-hit-social-media-algorithm-opt-out-plans/ https://www.smartcompany.com.au/technology/new-businesses-hardest-hit-social-media-algorithm-opt-out-plans/ Wed, 09 Sep 2026 01:27:02 GMT SmartCompany Industry experts warn that social media platforms' planned algorithm opt-out features may benefit established businesses but could make it harder for new businesses to gain visibility and grow their presence organically. https://www.startupdaily.net/topic/funding/dela-which-takes-the-scams-out-of-marketplace-sales-raises-1-million/ https://www.startupdaily.net/topic/funding/dela-which-takes-the-scams-out-of-marketplace-sales-raises-1-million/ Tue, 08 Sep 2026 22:24:54 GMT Startup Daily Dela, a marketplace platform focused on eliminating scams, has raised $1 million in funding. Their technology incorporates protected payments, identity checks, and shipping tools to improve marketplace safety. https://startupscaleup.com.au/bridgit-advances-broker-technology-with-scenario-calculator-giving-brokers-real-time-workshopping/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bridgit-advances-broker-technology-with-scenario-calculator-giving-brokers-real-time-workshopping https://startupscaleup.com.au/bridgit-advances-broker-technology-with-scenario-calculator-giving-brokers-real-time-workshopping/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bridgit-advances-broker-technology-with-scenario-calculator-giving-brokers-real-time-workshopping Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:01:28 GMT Startup Scaleup Bridgit has launched the Broker Scenario Calculator, a technology tool that enables brokers to workshop scenarios in real time without waiting times, enhancing broker efficiency. https://startupscaleup.com.au/ai-moves-from-vision-to-reality-across-pronto-softwares-erp-suite-as-the-company-celebrates-50-years-of-innovation/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ai-moves-from-vision-to-reality-across-pronto-softwares-erp-suite-as-the-company-celebrates-50-years-of-innovation https://startupscaleup.com.au/ai-moves-from-vision-to-reality-across-pronto-softwares-erp-suite-as-the-company-celebrates-50-years-of-innovation/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ai-moves-from-vision-to-reality-across-pronto-softwares-erp-suite-as-the-company-celebrates-50-years-of-innovation Tue, 08 Sep 2026 17:18:02 GMT Startup Scaleup Pronto Software, a leading Australian ERP and analytics software provider, has unveiled an expanded Artificial Intelligence roadmap as it celebrates 50 years of innovation. https://www.startupdaily.net/topic/global-tech/gilmour-space-and-hypersonix-partner-up-for-6100kmh-defence-flight-tests/ https://www.startupdaily.net/topic/global-tech/gilmour-space-and-hypersonix-partner-up-for-6100kmh-defence-flight-tests/ Tue, 08 Sep 2026 06:32:17 GMT Startup Daily Gilmour Space and Hypersonix Technologies have partnered to conduct Mach 5 hypersonic flight tests combining rockets with scramjets. The tests will reach speeds of 6,100 km/h and have defense applications. https://www.startupdaily.net/advice/business-strategy/evp-launches-40x-to-support-software-startup-founders-looking-to-raise/ https://www.startupdaily.net/advice/business-strategy/evp-launches-40x-to-support-software-startup-founders-looking-to-raise/ Tue, 08 Sep 2026 03:06:17 GMT Startup Daily Venture capital firm EVP has launched a new program called 40x designed to support software startup founders in raising capital amid the current focus on AI in the startup ecosystem. https://www.businessnewsaustralia.com/articles/gilmour-space-and-hypersonix-join-forces-to-build-sovereign-hypersonic-flight-test-capability.html https://www.businessnewsaustralia.com/articles/gilmour-space-and-hypersonix-join-forces-to-build-sovereign-hypersonic-flight-test-capability.html Tue, 08 Sep 2026 00:57:00 GMT Business News Australia Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space Technologies and Brisbane-based Hypersonix Launch Systems have partnered to develop sovereign hypersonic flight-test capabilities for defence and commercial use in Australia and internationally. Their… https://www.smartcompany.com.au/artificial-intelligence/australia-on-the-cusp-of-60-billion-data-centre-boom-as-ai-needs-grow/ https://www.smartcompany.com.au/artificial-intelligence/australia-on-the-cusp-of-60-billion-data-centre-boom-as-ai-needs-grow/ Mon, 07 Sep 2026 23:59:44 GMT SmartCompany AI adoption in Australia is set to drive a $60 billion data centre boom over the next decade, creating strong demand for data infrastructure and associated jobs. https://www.innovationaus.com/pressure-mounts-on-govt-to-fix-automated-decision-making/ https://www.innovationaus.com/pressure-mounts-on-govt-to-fix-automated-decision-making/ Mon, 07 Sep 2026 05:54:32 GMT InnovationAus A private member's bill in Australia aims to regulate automated decision-making following the Robodebt scandal, proposing bans on the riskiest forms of automation and mandatory risk assessments and disclosures for others to increase… https://www.innovationaus.com/mp-pushes-ai-kill-switch-bill-after-agents-go-rogue/ https://www.innovationaus.com/mp-pushes-ai-kill-switch-bill-after-agents-go-rogue/ Mon, 07 Sep 2026 05:53:59 GMT InnovationAus An Australian private members' bill proposes an 'AI kill switch' requiring AI companies to include shutdown mechanisms, granting the government emergency intervention powers for serious AI safety incidents, aligning with similar… https://australianfintech.com.au/people-first-bank-launches-new-digital-banking-platform-on-backbase-ai-native-banking-os/ https://australianfintech.com.au/people-first-bank-launches-new-digital-banking-platform-on-backbase-ai-native-banking-os/ Mon, 07 Sep 2026 01:08:04 GMT Australian FinTech People First Bank launched a new digital banking platform built on Backbase's AI-native banking operating system, enhancing banking technology offerings. https://www.businessnewsaustralia.com/articles/fbr-raises-4m-to-fund-commercialisation-of-robotic-welding-and-bricklaying-technology.html https://www.businessnewsaustralia.com/articles/fbr-raises-4m-to-fund-commercialisation-of-robotic-welding-and-bricklaying-technology.html Mon, 07 Sep 2026 01:06:00 GMT Business News Australia Perth-based construction robotics company FBR Limited is raising $4 million to complete testing of its Mantis welding robot and advance commercialization of its Hadrian bricklaying platform. The raise includes a placement and a share… https://australianfintech.com.au/global-fintech-pu-prime-launches-in-australia-with-asic-licence/ https://australianfintech.com.au/global-fintech-pu-prime-launches-in-australia-with-asic-licence/ Mon, 07 Sep 2026 01:00:49 GMT Australian FinTech Global fintech PU Prime launched its Australian operations following receipt of an ASIC licence, entering the local brokerage market. https://australianfintech.com.au/modernising-order-to-cash-for-australias-changing-payments-landscape/ https://australianfintech.com.au/modernising-order-to-cash-for-australias-changing-payments-landscape/ Sun, 06 Sep 2026 14:01:46 GMT Australian FinTech Australia's payments landscape evolves with open data initiatives, enabling businesses to automate payment and reconciliation processes more effectively. https://www.innovationaus.com/bureau-of-meteorology-takes-erp-upgrade-plunge/ https://www.innovationaus.com/bureau-of-meteorology-takes-erp-upgrade-plunge/ Sun, 06 Sep 2026 08:42:49 GMT InnovationAus Australia's Bureau of Meteorology is planning a complex, multi-year upgrade of its enterprise resource planning system, replacing old SAP software with a modern solution involving new contractors and a systems integrator. https://www.innovationaus.com/treasurys-ai-blind-spot-growth-without-capability-gain/ https://www.innovationaus.com/treasurys-ai-blind-spot-growth-without-capability-gain/ Sun, 06 Sep 2026 08:38:17 GMT InnovationAus Analysis by Australia's Treasury highlights that most AI-driven productivity growth will come from adopting foreign-developed technology rather than domestic capability building, raising concerns about Australia's AI sovereignty and… https://australianfintech.com.au/zenith-payments-have-appointed-anthony-drury-as-chief-executive-officer/ https://australianfintech.com.au/zenith-payments-have-appointed-anthony-drury-as-chief-executive-officer/ Fri, 04 Sep 2026 20:00:55 GMT Australian FinTech Zenith Payments, an Australian payments provider, appointed Anthony Drury as its new Chief Executive Officer. https://www.innovationaus.com/govt-urged-to-lift-cyber-with-new-rules-for-mid-market-firms/ https://www.innovationaus.com/govt-urged-to-lift-cyber-with-new-rules-for-mid-market-firms/ Fri, 04 Sep 2026 08:34:01 GMT InnovationAus The Tech Council of Australia calls for new cybersecurity standards targeting medium-sized firms and tech service providers to uplift private sector cyber maturity, balancing improved protections with manageable compliance costs for… https://www.smartcompany.com.au/marketing/xero-instagram-sponsored-influencer-post-ai-accountants-apology/ https://www.smartcompany.com.au/marketing/xero-instagram-sponsored-influencer-post-ai-accountants-apology/ Fri, 04 Sep 2026 06:10:17 GMT SmartCompany Xero apologized after a sponsored influencer post suggested using AI to replace accountants, sparking controversy. https://www.startupdaily.net/topic/quantum-computing/diraq-gives-equinixs-sydney-data-centre-a-world-first-quantum-computer/ https://www.startupdaily.net/topic/quantum-computing/diraq-gives-equinixs-sydney-data-centre-a-world-first-quantum-computer/ Fri, 04 Sep 2026 05:00:17 GMT Startup Daily Equinix's Sydney data centre will host a modular quantum computer developed by Australian company Diraq in a world-first deployment, integrating quantum computing technology alongside conventional systems. https://www.businessnewsaustralia.com/articles/firmus-makes-416m-cornerstone-trans-pacific-cable-deal-with-subco-to-power-ai-export-ambitions.html https://www.businessnewsaustralia.com/articles/firmus-makes-416m-cornerstone-trans-pacific-cable-deal-with-subco-to-power-ai-export-ambitions.html Fri, 04 Sep 2026 02:39:00 GMT Business News Australia Australian AI infrastructure firm Firmus Technologies has secured a US$300 million cornerstone investment in SUBCO's Trans-Pacific APX East submarine cable system. This 25-year agreement enables Firmus to connect its AI Factory network… https://www.startupdaily.net/topic/funding/viral-infections-biotech-ena-respiratory-inhales-3-million-from-government-fund/ https://www.startupdaily.net/topic/funding/viral-infections-biotech-ena-respiratory-inhales-3-million-from-government-fund/ Thu, 03 Sep 2026 22:32:22 GMT Startup Daily ENA Respiratory, an Australian biotech company focused on viral infections, secured $3 million in government funding to advance its nasal spray into asthma trials targeting flu, RSV, and COVID-19. https://australianfintech.com.au/us-fintech-emburse-launches-emburse-spend-in-australia/ https://australianfintech.com.au/us-fintech-emburse-launches-emburse-spend-in-australia/ Thu, 03 Sep 2026 15:20:54 GMT Australian FinTech US fintech company Emburse has expanded globally by launching its Emburse Spend platform in Australia as its first market outside the U.S. https://www.innovationaus.com/chief-defence-scientist-tanya-monro-on-strategic-tech-priorities/ https://www.innovationaus.com/chief-defence-scientist-tanya-monro-on-strategic-tech-priorities/ Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:55:41 GMT InnovationAus Chief Defence Scientist Tanya Monro emphasized a heightened urgency in Australian defence science and technology development following recent strategic initiatives, highlighting the importance of technological advancement for national… https://www.businessnewsaustralia.com/articles/eftsure-acquires-us-vendor-data-firm-relish-to-build-global-payment-assurance-platform.html https://www.businessnewsaustralia.com/articles/eftsure-acquires-us-vendor-data-firm-relish-to-build-global-payment-assurance-platform.html Thu, 03 Sep 2026 07:25:00 GMT Business News Australia Sydney-founded payment fraud prevention platform Eftsure has acquired US-based AI-powered vendor data validation company Relish. The acquisition aims to create a global leader in trusted enterprise payments and represents Eftsure's third… https://www.startupdaily.net/topic/business/expert360-founder-and-early-investors-miss-out-in-16-million-exit/ https://www.startupdaily.net/topic/business/expert360-founder-and-early-investors-miss-out-in-16-million-exit/ Thu, 03 Sep 2026 06:52:49 GMT Startup Daily The recent $16 million sale of Expert360 has resulted in no payout for the founder and early investors, with preference shareholders benefiting instead, highlighting complexities in startup exit structures. https://www.smartcompany.com.au/startupsmart/expert360-16-million-sale-founder-early-investors-no-share-payout-swipejobs/ https://www.smartcompany.com.au/startupsmart/expert360-16-million-sale-founder-early-investors-no-share-payout-swipejobs/ Thu, 03 Sep 2026 01:42:43 GMT SmartCompany Australian white-collar talent marketplace Expert360 has been sold for $16 million in a deal that leaves founder and early investors without any share payout. https://www.businessnewsaustralia.com/articles/acusensus-lands-its-first-victorian-government-deal-with-freeway-camera-trial.html https://www.businessnewsaustralia.com/articles/acusensus-lands-its-first-victorian-government-deal-with-freeway-camera-trial.html Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:18:00 GMT Business News Australia Melbourne-headquartered AI road safety technology company Acusensus has secured a $1.7 million contract to install fixed road safety camera systems on a Victorian freeway. This is Acusensus's first contract with the Victorian Government… https://www.innovationaus.com/us-urges-g20-countries-to-allow-ai-training-on-creators-work/ https://www.innovationaus.com/us-urges-g20-countries-to-allow-ai-training-on-creators-work/ Wed, 02 Sep 2026 21:52:02 GMT InnovationAus The US urges G20 countries to establish rules allowing AI companies to use copyrighted material for training, addressing ongoing lawsuits from creators against major technology firms over unauthorized use of their work. https://startupscaleup.com.au/australian-smes-adapt-and-grow-despite-confidence-headwinds-banjo-sme-compass-pulse/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=australian-smes-adapt-and-grow-despite-confidence-headwinds-banjo-sme-compass-pulse https://startupscaleup.com.au/australian-smes-adapt-and-grow-despite-confidence-headwinds-banjo-sme-compass-pulse/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=australian-smes-adapt-and-grow-despite-confidence-headwinds-banjo-sme-compass-pulse Wed, 02 Sep 2026 14:39:58 GMT Startup Scaleup According to the Banjo SME Compass Pulse survey, Australian SMEs continue to meet revenue targets and pursue growth despite economic uncertainty. https://www.innovationaus.com/aussie-first-photonic-chip-packaging-centre-lands-in-queensland/ https://www.innovationaus.com/aussie-first-photonic-chip-packaging-centre-lands-in-queensland/ Wed, 02 Sep 2026 08:29:53 GMT InnovationAus Queensland has opened the Australian-first Queensland Advanced Photonics Packaging Centre, a CSIRO facility for packaging and testing photonic chips critical to advanced sensors and quantum computing, supported by a $4 million state… https://www.innovationaus.com/smart-device-star-rating-pilot-launches-without-big-tech-buy-in/ https://www.innovationaus.com/smart-device-star-rating-pilot-launches-without-big-tech-buy-in/ Wed, 02 Sep 2026 06:15:45 GMT InnovationAus Australia has launched a voluntary pilot for a smart device security star rating labelling scheme involving appliance and smart lock makers, aiming for a national rollout next year, although major tech companies like Google and Amazon are… https://www.innovationaus.com/arena-tips-26m-into-element-zero-green-iron-pilot/ https://www.innovationaus.com/arena-tips-26m-into-element-zero-green-iron-pilot/ Wed, 02 Sep 2026 03:55:16 GMT InnovationAus Australia's Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) committed $26 million to Perth-based green iron startup Element Zero under the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund to pilot green iron production technology. https://www.smartcompany.com.au/opinion/ai-quietly-changing-what-business-insurance-covers/ https://www.smartcompany.com.au/opinion/ai-quietly-changing-what-business-insurance-covers/ Wed, 02 Sep 2026 01:38:49 GMT SmartCompany Australian insurers are updating business insurance policies to include new AI-specific coverage and exclusions, reflecting the growing impact of artificial intelligence on risk and insurance. https://www.smartcompany.com.au/sustainability/seabin-resmart-recycle-ocean-waste-pulled-sydney-harbour/ https://www.smartcompany.com.au/sustainability/seabin-resmart-recycle-ocean-waste-pulled-sydney-harbour/ Wed, 02 Sep 2026 01:11:21 GMT SmartCompany Seabin, an ocean cleanup startup, has partnered with recycling startup ReSmart to recycle waste collected from Sydney Harbour, aiming to divert it from landfill.